Man sentenced to four months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products
A man was sentenced today (April 24) at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts to four months' imprisonment for illegally importing 52 800 alternative smoking products. The Department of Health (DH) welcomed the verdict and reminded members of the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong, and not to use any alternative smoking products.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH was notified by Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 23) that 52 800 alternative smoking products had been intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid man arriving from the Chinese Mainland. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted the individual.
Since the amendments to theTobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors,took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 24 cases involving importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Twenty-seven persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to eight months.
According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and isliable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.
In addition, the DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visitwww.livetobaccofree.hkfor information on quitting.
Source: AI-found images
More Hong Kong Reading Week highlight activities to be held this weekend
Various highlight activities of Hong Kong Reading Week 2026 (HKRW) will be held tomorrow (April 25) and on Sunday (April 26) at the Hong Kong Central Library (HKCL), selected public libraries, and Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong. HKRW is presented by the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
The public libraries in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao earlier organised the 4.23 World Book Day Creative Competition under the theme "Blissful Moments Between Pages". The HKPL will hold a prize presentation ceremony at the HKCL tomorrow to commend participants from Hong Kong who excelled in the competition.
A series of fun day activities suitable for people of all ages will be available at the HKCL tomorrow and on Sunday, including a music and story sharing session hosted by pop singer Phil Lam at the Exhibition Gallery of the HKCL at 7.30pm tomorrow. With a captivating performance of songs and selected book excerpts, Lam will share the companionship found in words throughout the ups and downs of life. A live broadcast of the sharing session will be available at the "Reading is Joyful" social media page.
Other fascinating fun day activities include a magic performance and workshops by Harry Wong, interactive sessions with guide dogs, a sand painting performance and workshops, the "Miniature World of Hong Kong" exhibition, and music interflows featuring classic pieces by Chinese and Western ensembles of the Music Office. An interactive device, "The Happiness Explorer", will be set up to recommend good books to participants through combining reading and elements of self-exploration to encourage them to find happiness and joy in reading.
Furthermore, the Pop-up Library@Hong Kong Reading Week 2026 under the theme "Happiness Is Just Around the Book Corner" will be held at Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong between 11am and 7pm tomorrow. There will be a cappella and band performances, live story telling sessions by Story Ambassadors, a virtual reality journey through the worlds of literary classics, and book reading sessions with professional therapy dogs for members of the public to enjoy.
Selected public libraries across Hong Kong will hold storytelling and handicraft workshops tomorrow and on Sunday, while self-service photo booths will also be available in some of the selected libraries for patrons to enjoy reading in a fun-filled atmosphere.
HKRW is being held from April 20 to 26. Under the theme "Delight/LIBRARY", the HKRW offers about 470 events to encourage members of the public to develop the reading habit. All HKRW activities are free of charge, with seat reservations required for some events. For details, please visit the website: www.hkpl.gov.hk/hkrw.
Photo source: the website of HKRW
